Meddlesome Mediators
.... Before we were saved, because of our sinful nature, we were unwilling to seek God on our own initiative (Romans 3:11; Isaiah 64:7). We would not approach the light because it seemed to reprove us through the contrast that was formed (John 3:20). That’s why God always has to begin a further work in reaching out to each one of us, simply to overcome this reluctance and draw us near:
.... "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day."(John 6:44)
.... But even after we are saved, some of us will face a learning curve as a lifetime of hesitation is regenerated. Some Christians are reluctant, in purely human terms, to actually draw near to Jesus Himself. Instead, they will gladly learn Christian 'principles', 'theological systems', 'steps 1-2-3', or other impersonal concepts, rather than the far simpler and interpersonal concept of abiding in the Lord. And this becomes perilous when, in their own minds, their relationship with the Lord is delegated to other persons or to institutions who will 'represent' Jesus to them, and them to Jesus. For by this extremely unwise practice, mediators are created.
.... "But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God."(1 Corinthians 11:3)
.... "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus."(1 Timothy 2:5)
..... The word 'mediator' means to 'to go between'. Since Jesus is the only mediator between God and man, we must all take that first step for ourselves and go directly to Jesus in a personal relationship. But it is a very serious mistake to believe that anyone can else 'stand in' for us in going to Jesus, or represent Him back to us. That would suggest an extra layer of mediation between ourselves and God, and would imply that He has delegated His voice and authority to them, which He has not done (Matthew 28:18).
.... "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."
(John 15:26)
.... Let's learn from the perfect, Divine example of the Holy Spirit Himself. In this passage, He is referred to as our ‘Helper’. The Greek word is parakletos, which literally means that He is ‘Called to our side’. For even the Holy Spirit does not attempt to impose Himself 'between' Jesus and ourselves, but He merely comes along side of us, to assist in pointing us directly to Him. And that is the model that all churches and their leaders should be following..
.... Sadly, this is also an area in which the church of today is in a serious degree of error. Teachings such as Shepherding, Pastoral authority, Accountability, Catholicism, or ‘the covering of the church’ have produced unscriptural mediators in our walk with the Lord, be they individuals or mediating institutions. And when we accept them as mediators, our faith in the Lord is eclipsed by them.
.... Sadly, this is also an area in which the church of today is in a serious degree of error. Teachings such as Shepherding, Pastoral authority, Accountability, Catholicism, or ‘the covering of the church’ have produced unscriptural mediators in our walk with the Lord, be they individuals or mediating institutions. And when we accept them as mediators, our faith in the Lord is eclipsed by them.
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.... We will cover this concept in greater detail in a future module. But in the meantime, for further information on mediation, please click on the break-out module entitled A Scriptural Profile of the End Time Heresies, and investigate the last part of that study which pertains to false teachers.
.... We will cover this concept in greater detail in a future module. But in the meantime, for further information on mediation, please click on the break-out module entitled A Scriptural Profile of the End Time Heresies, and investigate the last part of that study which pertains to false teachers.
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Daily Bible Reading: Romans 15
posted by loren at 12:25 AM
8 Comments:
Shepherding has been in disrepute for many years now, but may still exist in some part of the church. This is a practice in which your pastor prays for you, and tell you what your major decisions in life will be. The fact that he ‘goes between’ you and the Lord is very evident in this procedure.
‘Authority’ doctrines are some of the most misunderstood teachings in the church today. We will treat this in greater detail in a future posting, but the short answer is that the Bible gives no Christian authority over another Christian (Matt 20:25,26). Our relationship to church leaders is based on our submission to them, rather than their authority over us.
‘Accountability’ doctrines are usually well intentioned, but the Bible never says we must give an account to anyone but God (1 Pet 4:5). Those participating in this ministry make themselves mediators. Rather than running this risk and incurring the Lord’s disfavor, Why not just simplify it to the original intention: ‘Look, let’s be open with each other and talk’? As in a simple friendship. This approach rescues the good intentions while avoiding the error.
Catholicism is a prime example of leadership making bold and unwarranted ‘authority’ claims, leading to exclusivism, and from there to mediation, in ways that are completely self-serving to the greater institution.
The only passage about ‘coverings’ in the New Testament has to do with wearing hats, and has no connection whatever with the church, in the sense of it having authority over the life of other Christians.
By
loren, at 11/08/2005 12:29 AM
Loren,
I have never heard of Shepherding and Accountability in the first ways that you have discribed.
I have always heard of shepherding as a coming along side of to guild or lifting up from below (servent mentality). And accountability as getting together as trusted friends and talking about our struggles.
Maybe I have had a sheltered life in those area's, but that is very conserning that they would be twisted and used for personal gain (in a sense).
God Bless,
David
By
Mark 1:17, at 11/08/2005 11:11 AM
Hi David,
Shepherding as I've described it was in its Hay Day in the late 70's, and hopefully we won't be seeing any more of that. But you may have seen a lesser version or something basically different that adopted the same name.
'Accountability' in the form you've mentiopned is the sort of practice I would advocate. Because it's just friends. The 'Accountability' that I've criticized even goes to the point of periodic reportsing or reports on demand, through an assigned oversight function (participation, though highly advocated and even pushed, is sometimes and sometimes not voluntary).
The Bible says that God is the One to whom we must all give an account, so when this goes beyond friend being honest with each other it is intruding into a Divine prerogative.
By
loren, at 11/08/2005 5:34 PM
Very good! Very good. These last few posts have been very productive. Sometimes I am left speechless and don't know what to comment as you cover so much that is in my heart already. Sometimes it even builds and helps me see things on what I was meditating on. Yesterdays post helped me with something I was questioning what I should do on a matter. it just came at a right time as I was praying about it. Blessings brother. I out here reading your excellent devotionals.
By
Bhedr, at 11/08/2005 10:07 PM
Hi Brian,
Thanks for the encouragement! I started a new job a couple of weeks ago and the blogging has taken more of a back seat. It's good to know it's still perceived as useful, praise the Lord!
By
loren, at 11/08/2005 10:31 PM
Thanks for this post, it is very well layed out and written. It is so key to understand how we come to Christ. Thank you!
A
ps- how is your new job going?
By
anne, at 11/08/2005 10:34 PM
Got a job? Great and Praise YHVH!
By
Bhedr, at 11/09/2005 10:33 PM
Hi anne and Brian,
Thanks for asking! The new job is going okay, it's still part time but will turn full time by the end of the year.
One of the reasons they wanted me is to write them an employee manual, which I will be starting tomorrow morning. I'm also learning the books.
I'm working for a great company with a great future in many ways, and eventually I will probably build their first call center. Lots of ground level opportunities.
By
loren, at 11/09/2005 11:10 PM
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